Insider Reveals Two Broncos Sleepers to Watch Out for in 2023
The Denver Broncos made incredible waves to kick off free agency, signing as many marquee free agents and spending as much guaranteed money as anyone.
The Broncos are not sitting on their hands in Year 1 of Sean Payton’s tenure, and the Walton-Penners are showing Broncos Country what it is like to have the wealthiest owners in the entire NFL.
The Broncos appear to have filled many roster holes early in free agency. This is a good strategy from a short-term, immediate return perspective, given the team’s cap space, long-term contractual flexibility with the current roster construction, and the franchise’s lack of 2023 draft capital.
It will be fun to visualize how these newly-acquired Broncos will play next season but don’t forget players on the team that have a chance to emerge further in 2023.
NFL Network’s James Palmer, who reports frequently covering the Broncos, was asked to discuss in a recent appearance on Good Morning Football two names fans will often hear next season.
Two players to watch out for in 2023, according to Palmer? Wide receiver Tim Patrick and safety Caden Sterns.
When discussing Patrick, Palmer called back to early last offseason when the Broncos were first taking the field together with quarterback Russell Wilson. Stating that Patrick “was a favorite of Russell Wilson” early in camp, the dreams of deep balls were quickly over for 2022.
“Until (Patrick) makes a brilliant catch down the sideline on a deep ball and tears his ACL on the play,” Palmer said. Patrick entered last season as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, even over late last season, Jerry Jeudy emerged as a potential break-out star.
The Broncos offense is under new leadership with an entirely new coaching staff, but if Patrick can make as good of an impression on this staff as he did with his previous wide receivers coach, he should catch on quickly in the new offense.
According to Palmer, Azzani stated that “(Patrick) was the best football player in that (wide receiver) room and possibly one of the best football players on that team.”
Patrick has overcome much in his career to date, as Palmer alludes to, stating, “This is a guy that was an undrafted free agent, played special teams, and worked his way up.”
Broncos Country shouldn’t count out Patrick from making an impact after suffering an ACL injury in early August 2022.
Now do the Broncos believe in Patrick enough and trust his rehab to the point they would feel comfortable trading a different wide receiver from their room? That remains to be seen.
On the other side of the ball, Palmer gives a shout-out to Sterns, a former fifth-round safety selection. Sterns has flashed his unquestionable athleticism when on the field and made plays on the ball and ball carrier alike.
However, he dealt with a shoulder strain that caused him to make frequent appearances on the injury report and missed a game in 2021 on top of a hip strain last year that led to Sterns missing most of the season following a standout Week 5 performance. Durability is the biggest question for Sterns.
The Broncos will likely add some insurance to the room, but it does sound like Sterns will be given a path toward starting. According to Palmer, “Vance Joseph and his staff love this kid.
"He is versatile; he is extremely intelligent; he’s got excellent ball skills… they have big big plans, I am told, for Caden Sterns back there with Pat Surtain and Justin Simmons.”
Sterns no doubt has the ability and has flashed in limited action. If he can stay healthy, he could wind up one of the best values on the entire roster in 2023. But staying healthy is the biggest question.
Given the likely departure of Kareem Jackson as well as questions regarding the depth of the position, the Broncos could bring in some competition for Sterns at safety prior to next season.
If he stays healthy, though, watch out. “This is going to be a guy everyone is going to be like “Who?!” right now, but he’s going to be a part of a very good defense. Caden Sterns, keep an eye out for him.”
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